Industry’s continual progress, opportunities drive VAI scholarship winner Braydon Wise The VAI scholarship program will soon return for 2027, with scholarships available in aviation maintenance, avionics, and pilot safety. A benefit exclusively for VAI members, the scholarships help vertical aviation pilots, mechanics, engineers, and aspiring professionals cover the costs of their education and training. Not a VAI member? Join the association and enjoy access to the VAI scholarship program as well as a host of additional educational, safety, and other benefits. VAI Weekly is highlighting past VAI scholarship winners in an exclusive series of articles. In this interview from November 2025, we hear from Braydon Wise, then 21, of York, Pennsylvania, USA, recipient of a 2025 Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Scholarship. Wise talks about how technical challenges fuel his passion for aviation and shares details about his long-term dream of giving back by helping future generations. VAI Daily: What motivates you about the vertical aviation community? Braydon Wise: The combination of technical challenge, innovation, and constant change are all motivating. The aircraft in this sector are complex and continuously evolving, with new technologies, materials, and maintenance practices. This ongoing progress keeps the work exciting and pushes me to keep learning and improving. I’m motivated by the idea that every day brings new opportunities to build my skills, solve problems, and contribute to keeping the aircraft flying safely and efficiently. Another aspect that draws me to the vertical aviation industry is how close-knit this community feels. It’s a field where teamwork and trust are essential, and everyone depends on one another to get the job done right. I really value that sense of collaboration and shared purpose. How will the VAI scholarship help you meet your education goals? The scholarship will be instrumental in helping me continue my learning without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. Aviation training is a significant investment, and this scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies at college, rather than worrying about how to afford the next chapter of my education. This scholarship means more to me than just financial support; it’s a true vote of confidence in my potential and has fueled my motivation to succeed in the aviation field. What are your career goals? In the short term, my goal is to be in a position where I can make meaningful contributions to a company while, most importantly, continuing to grow and learn as a young technician. Over the long term, I aspire to work in a corporate flight department operating a mixed fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. Throughout my journey in aviation maintenance, I’ve been fortunate to have people and companies take a chance on me and provide tremendous learning opportunities. My goal is to be in a leadership position where I can do the same for the next generation of maintenance technicians. Who is your greatest mentor? My father is my greatest mentor and inspiration. While he isn’t involved in aviation or aircraft maintenance, the values he instilled in me have been the foundation of my work ethic and character. He taught me the importance of discipline, integrity, and doing things the right way. These principles are critical in aviation, especially in maintenance, where safety and precision directly impact mission outcomes. What do you view as the biggest challenges facing vertical aviation? One of the greatest challenges today is the growing gap between qualified aviation maintenance technicians and the number of new technicians entering the field. Many experienced technicians are nearing retirement, and there are not enough new technicians to fill those roles. This shortage increases the workload for existing teams while putting pressure on operators. The industry must continue to support the education of the next generation. That’s why it’s so important for organizations like VAI to continue providing support and learning opportunities for [tomorrow’s professionals].
